MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Tens of thousands of scouts, volunteers, leaders, and family members are arriving in southern West Virginia this week as Scouting America’s National Jamboree transforms the mountains of the New River Gorge region into one of the nation’s largest youth adventure camps.
Held at the 14,000-acre Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayette County, the 10-day event brings together scouts from across the United States—and increasingly from overseas—for outdoor challenges, leadership training, STEM education, and service projects in one of Appalachia’s most scenic settings.
For many participants traveling from metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Richmond, and Charlotte, the Jamboree is also their introduction to West Virginia’s mountains, rivers, trails, and outdoor recreation.
“This is a life-changing experience for thousands of young people,” said Michael T. Benson, the president of West Virginia University and an Eagle Scout who plans to attend the Jamboree.
“Scouting develops leadership, character, and citizenship, and West Virginia provides an extraordinary setting for those experiences.”
Adventure in the New River Gorge
The Summit Bechtel Reserve adjoins New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, providing participants access to one of America’s newest national parks and a premier destination for whitewater rafting, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Inside the reserve, Scouts spend their days tackling zip lines, climbing towers, archery ranges, mountain bike courses, paddling programs, and high-adventure experiences that build confidence and teamwork.
Many families extend their trips to explore nearby attractions, including the New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, Beckley, and other destinations throughout southern West Virginia.
Read more: Why the New River Gorge has become one of America’s fastest-growing destinations
West Virginia takes center stage
For Bill Beaumont, director of the National Jamboree, hosting the event in his home state holds special meaning. A Morgantown native, Eagle Scout, and West Virginia University graduate, Beaumont said that bringing one of Scouting’s signature events to West Virginia showcases what the state offers visitors.
“I have so much pride in the state of West Virginia and WVU,” Beaumont said. “To have the opportunity to direct the National Jamboree here is amazing.”
Beyond introducing thousands of visitors to West Virginia, Beaumont said the event delivers significant economic benefits and encourages future visits by families discovering the Mountain State for the first time.
West Virginia University supports the event
While Scouts experience the adventure, hundreds of West Virginia University students, faculty, and staff work behind the scenes to make the Jamboree possible.
The university provides STEM programming, forensic science demonstrations, medical services, and volunteer support throughout the event.
One of the most popular attractions, Science Behind the Sport, lets Scouts explore the physics and engineering behind activities such as cycling, climbing, paddling, skateboarding, archery, and ziplining through hands-on lessons led by WVU students.
The University’s forensic science program also introduces Scouts to investigative science through interactive demonstrations.
Caring for thousands of visitors
Medical care for the massive gathering is coordinated by WVU Health Sciences, where teams of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists, and other health professionals prepare for everything from routine illnesses to emergency injuries.
Dr. William Ramsey, associate vice president and chief collaboration officer, said the operation reflects the Scout motto, “Be Prepared.”
“From staffing to supplies, from accessible transportation to ultrasound, we coordinate a large-scale effort to make sure we’re ready for everything from common ailments to traumatic injuries,” Ramsey said.
Leaving a lasting impact
The National Jamboree’s influence extends beyond the campground. This year’s event features a statewide food drive aiming to collect 50,000 food items for local West Virginia food pantries, pairing outdoor adventure with community service.
For West Virginia, the gathering serves as both an economic engine and an opportunity to introduce thousands of future travelers, college students, and outdoor enthusiasts to a state many are visiting for the first time.
Whether they arrive from Pittsburgh, Washington, Columbus, Richmond, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, or communities much farther away, many participants leave with more than merit badges and memories—a new appreciation for the mountains, rivers, and hospitality that continue to make West Virginia one of America’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure.